The History and Evolution of Informa Group: From a Small Publishing Company to a Global Events and Publishing Brand
Informa Group is a global events and publishing brand that has a rich history and a legacy of innovation and excellence. Founded in 1998, the company has grown and evolved significantly, expanding its business lines and establishing itself as a leading player in various industries across the world. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of Informa Group, tracing its path from a small publishing company to its current status as a global leader in events and information services.
Origins of Informa Group
Informa Group was founded in 1998 as a result of a merger between two UK-based publishing companies – Taylor & Francis and International Thomson Publishing. The newly merged entity, which was initially known as T&F Informa, focused on publishing academic journals and books, as well as providing business information services to various industries, including healthcare, finance, and construction. The company’s early years were marked by steady growth, acquisitions of smaller publishing companies, and strategic partnerships with other players in the industry.
Expansion and Diversification
In the early 2000s, Informa Group began expanding its business lines beyond publishing, as it sought to diversify its revenue streams and tap into new markets. The company acquired IIR, a company specializing in organizing international events, and incorporated it into its newly formed Informa Exhibitions division. This move significantly expanded the company’s presence in the events industry, allowing it to offer an integrated solution that combined publishing with face-to-face events and networking opportunities. Informa Exhibitions went on to acquire several other event organizers over the years, including Hanley Wood Exhibitions, UBM, and Penton.
Informa Group also diversified its portfolio in other areas, including business intelligence, data analytics, and consulting services. The company established several units focused on these areas, such as Informa Finance, Informa Intelligence, and Informa Markets, each with its own set of products and services targeted at specific industries or customer segments. This diversification strategy helped the company weather the challenges posed by digital disruption and changing market dynamics, as it was able to leverage its expertise and assets in multiple areas to drive growth and innovation.
Global Expansion and Brand Building
Informa Group’s expansion and diversification efforts were complemented by a strong focus on global expansion and brand building. The company established a presence in several emerging markets, including Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, through strategic acquisitions and partnerships with local players. It also invested heavily in digital platforms and technologies, allowing it to deliver its products and services to a global audience and tap into new segments and markets.
The company also invested in building a strong brand identity that reflected its values and mission. It adopted a new brand identity in 2014, which combined the tagline “Knowledge for the World” with a simple yet bold logo that symbolized its commitment to innovation, thought leadership, and customer focus. The new branding was backed by a comprehensive marketing and communications campaign, which helped to raise the company’s profile and increase its market share in various industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Informa Group’s history and evolution reflect its ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions and customer needs. The company’s early focus on publishing, combined with a willingness to embrace new technologies and explore new markets, allowed it to become a leading player in the global events and publishing industry. Its expansion and diversification efforts, coupled with a strong brand identity and customer-centric approach, have helped it to maintain its leadership position and build a loyal customer base. As Informa Group continues to grow and evolve, we can expect it to continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence, and to remain a key player in the events and information services industry.
